Shine Bright Initiative
The Shine Bright Initiative at NHCC is a program where students can borrow a therapy lamp from the college for free for personal use for up to one month at a time. This program is made possible to you by the efforts of one of your very own fellow students and a team of staff that directly help students in need every day. The goal of this program is to supplement mental health services on campus by giving access to light therapy lamps designed to decrease physical and emotional ailments while increasing student success and engagement in the community.
Not only can you check a lamp out to try at home, but you can also try using in our Learning Resource Center while you are studying!
For more info on the effects of light therapy, set up an appointment with a CARE Center team member by emailing CareCenter@nhcc.edu or by calling 763-493-0554.
Shine Bright
Light therapy is thought to affect brain chemicals linked to mood and sleep. Using a light therapy lamp may also help ease symptoms of depression, sleep disorders and other conditions.
During light therapy sessions, you sit or work near a light lamp. To be effective, light from the light lamp must enter your eyes indirectly. While your eyes must be open, don't look directly at the light box, because the bright light can damage your eyes. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions. Light therapy requires time and consistency. You can set your light lamp on a table or desk in your home or office. That way you can read, use a computer, write, watch TV, talk on the phone or eat while having light therapy. Stick to your therapy schedule and don't overdo it.
Light therapy is generally safe. If side effects occur, they're usually mild and short lasting. They may include: Eyestrain, Headache, Nausea, Irritability or agitation. Light therapy may trigger mania in some people with bipolar disorder, consult with your doctor before starting use.
Light therapy probably won't cure seasonal affective disorder, nonseasonal depression or other conditions. But it may ease symptoms, increase your energy levels, and help you feel better about yourself and life. Light therapy can start to improve symptoms within just a few days. In some cases it can take two or more weeks.